The Prime Minister has sought $2 billion in support from development partners to help meet the country’s growing energy demand

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on development partners to mobilise $2 billion to help Bangladesh meet its immediate energy needs and protect economic stability.

Speaking at the Asia Zero Emission Community Plus Online Summit, he stressed the urgency of collective action, saying the current situation requires solidarity and swift, decisive measures. “Immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of our collective agenda,” he said.

The prime minister reiterated Bangladesh’s appeal for $2 billion in support, urging the international community to respond promptly and positively.

Highlighting the global energy crisis, Rahman described it as a clear reminder of shared vulnerability and interdependence. He noted that no country—regardless of size or strength—can tackle the challenge alone, calling instead for a coordinated, forward-looking Asian response to strengthen regional energy security, address supply disruptions, and assist vulnerable nations.

He warned that the crisis has already disrupted Bangladesh’s economy, prompting a series of short-term measures. These include demand-side management through adjusted government office and market hours, emergency fuel imports and diversified sourcing to stabilise supplies, and consumption controls such as fuel rationing and limits on retail sales to curb hoarding, supported by initiatives like the Fuel App.

Rahman expressed concern that the current crisis could surpass the scale and impact of the 1970s oil shock, which stalled development for years. He noted that since independence in 1971, Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic growth, poverty reduction, and improving living standards—gains that are now at risk.

“This progress is under real threat of reversal,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is not alone in facing such risks and cannot overcome them through national efforts alone.

He called for coordinated global action to contain the crisis and shield vulnerable countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), from its economic and social fallout.

Rahman also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening the summit. Leaders including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, along with representatives from Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, joined the virtual meeting.

The Bangladeshi premier delivered his বক্তব্য from his office at Sangshad Bhaban, in the presence of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr M Humayun Kabir.